We were fortunate to catch up with some brilliant artists, creatives and entrepreneurs from throughout the Houston area and they share the wisdom with us below.

Grey Box Collective | interdisciplinary performing arts organization that makes weird art about tough stuff

The inception of Grey Box Collective was a convergence of passion, serendipity, and a drive to create meaningful art. In 2007-2008, Molly W. Schenck, while working in a sexual assault awareness office during her university years, crafted a performance piece titled It’s Not That Simple. This marked the beginning of her journey in using dance and theater as powerful tools for social change. The experience of merging her artistic talents with social issues planted the seeds for what would eventually become Grey Box Collective. Read more>>

Liz Illg | Business Consultant

When thinking about risk, I view it as a necessary part of growth and success. Taking calculated risks has been essential in my career and life. It’s about stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing opportunities that might seem daunting at first. The risks I’ve taken have often led to the most significant breakthroughs, whether it’s expanding my business, launching new services, or investing in personal development. Read more>>

Herbert Decker Jr. Iii | Certified Les Brown Legendary Speaker, Author, and Reiki Master

Risk is the currency of growth, the fuel that powers transformation. In my life and career, I’ve learned that every leap of faith, every bold decision, is a step closer to becoming the person I was meant to be. Risk isn’t about recklessness; it’s about recognizing that the comfort zone is the enemy of progress. I remember when I got the inner calling from God to be a speaker. I had no clue where to begin, but I knew it was my purpose. I took small steps, researching others in the field, and in 2017, I started doing live speeches in my car on social media. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m speaking at several conferences and wrote a book called *Coach Heal Motivate*. Read more>>

Shannon Zsiros | Entrepreneur

Several habits have contributed to my success:

1. Goal Setting: Clearly define short-term and long-term goals. This gives direction and motivation.

2. Time Management: Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organized. Read more>>

Danielle Lapriore | Massage therapist

Blindly Leaving New England and Moving to Arizona 21 years ago.
I had a great massage clientele in a small town suburban hair salon I grew up going to. Thought I’d stay in New England my whole life..my sister then talked me into taking a risk to move to Az to be closer to her and work on the spas of Scottsdale.. it sounded exciting but New England was home and had my heart. Read more>>

Richard A. Pines | Retired Teacher and Filmmaker

RicMel Productions is based on telling stories of injustices. Two films that I have produced Apache Girl and Cochise Legendary Warrior tells stories of the atrocities committed against Native Americans in the late 19th century. I am presently doing a film entitled Ana May Wong to bring to light the discrimination she faced with legislation in place at the time which prevented her from securing the roles. Read more>>

Diana Palm | Spiritual Healer & Medium

Early in my career, I was a classic over-giver. I donated so much of my time to helping people that I neglected my own business goals. This is a common mistake for those that work as spiritual healers, reiki practitioners, psychic mediums, massage therapists, and other energy healers. It also relates to empaths, mothers, and caregivers of every kind. Balance is one of the most challenging things for sensitive people to achieve in their life. It requires that you learn to self love when your nature calls you to self sacrifice. Read more>>

Dalton Kaye | Fitness and Performance Coach & Founder of Phoenix Fitness and Performance

For me I don’t think of it as balance anymore, rather I see it as Work life harmony. We all know that life has its ups and downs and there are times we need to work more and times we need to turn our focus to our family or to ourselves. I used to struggle to find balance and since I have been able to shift my thinking to harmony it has relieved some stress and anxiety I would create and put on myself. Looking for harmony in my work life balance has helped me improve personally and as a business owner. Read more>>